Saturday, May 3, 2014

Last night we opened our 3rd Biennial Taxidermy Show. The first and second were sponsored by the Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists, and curated by Robert Marbury. These seminal exhibitions helped to change the perception of the art form and elevate the work from "crafty hobby" to fine art. This year Robert was completely occupied with putting together The Rogue's Guide to Taxidermy book but we got his blessing to go it alone and curate our own show. Still involved are several members of the original M.A.R.T. collective (and when the book is published we will absolutely be hosting a signing party), and veteran attendees will recognize some familiar names alongside a few people who are making their gallery debut.

As a sort of show-within-a-show, we've chosen to highlight the work of Ave Rose, who we've exhibited in several group shows and at least one feature exhibition. Bestiary of the Automata is solo show worth of pieces (17 total), most of which are motorized or otherwise utilize movement as part of their presentation. Check here for a video.

Today being Saturday, May 3rd, in less than an hour we'll start the Live Taxidermy Demo! Three of our artists will be working together to make a wonderful, chimerical creation live before your eyes! It's a bit of a process and we're setting aside three hours for observers. Call the gallery with information requests or to make a purchase. (323)666-7667.

The Dealio

La Luz de Jesus Gallery was established in 1986 as the brainchild of entrepreneur and art collector Billy Shire, considered largely responsible for fostering a new school of California art and prompting JUXTAPOZ Magazine to dub him "the Peggy Guggenheim of Lowbrow."
Showcasing mainly figurative, narrative paintings and unusual sculpture, the exhibitions are post-pop with content ranging from folk to outsider to religious to sexually deviant. The gallery's objective is to bring underground art and counter-culture to the masses. Past shows have been groundbreaking, launching unknown artists who have since become famous, such as Manual Ocampo, Joe Coleman, and Robert Williams. A new exhibit opens on the first Friday of each month, with an opening reception that Details Magazine calls "the biggest and best party in Los Angeles."
Gallery Director Matt Kennedy first came to work for Billy Shire in 1991, and managed the gallery until 1995. It was during his tenure at the original Melrose location of La Luz de Jesus that the Kustom Kulture movement exploded. These years are now recognized as the Golden Age of Lowbrow. Kennedy returned as Gallery Director of La Luz de Jesus in March 2009.